We are the nucleus of the family, whether a daughter, sister, wife or mother. We keep the bonds strong. The touch of a loving mother who wrap her children in a blanket of love, affection and protection tending their needs as well as raising them to be good Muslims and Muslimahs. When she hears the call of the prayer, she sits to worship her loving Creator, Allah subhanahu wa taala and positions her child next to her on the prayer mat facing the Qibla. A dutiful daughter aids her mother. A devoted wife propels her husband to the summits of success whilst he goes out to earn a daily bread. Indeed the following saying is true:

‘Behind every successful man there is a woman’.

In Islam, women are not considered as maids of the households rather it acknowledges women’s equality with men in many aspects. Allah subhanahu wa taala stated in the Holy Quran:

"And among His signs is this: that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest and peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Certainly, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [30:21]

Throughout Islamic history, women have played a major role in spreading Islam and our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him have praised the following: his youngest daughter, Fatimah may Allah have mercy upon her, his beloved wife Khadijah may Allah have mercy upon his soul, Maryam alayhi salam and Asiya the wife of Pharoah. These diamonds are core role models and legendary beacons of productivity and balance of how we as Muslim women can divide our time fairly between family, work, home and Islam to reach our ultimate goal; Jannatul Firdous. A place free of pain, hardship and sorrow and replaced with eternal happiness, relief and ease. Let’s look at one of these prime examples, Fatima may Allah have mercy upon her.

A passionate worshipper who put a hard effort in looking after her home and daily chores was both a dutiful wife and daughter and had a stance in the community for helping the poor and needy as well as manners. Often, she would give all her food to the poor and remained hungry. She would never complain no matter how difficult the circumstances were. Aisha may Allah have mercy upon her said:

‘I did not see any one resembling the Blessed Prophet (pbuh), regarding all manners, more perfectly than Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah.’

She and her husband who was the Prophet peace be upon his cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib may Allah have mercy upon him led a simple but content life and had two sons: Hassan and Hussain whom was very dear and fond to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. They also had two daughters Zaynab and Umm Kalthum may Allah have mercy upon them. Her relationship with Prophet Muhammad peace be upon was very close and it shone with pure love and affection that he said once:

‘Fatima is part of me, and he who makes her angry, makes me angry’ [Al-Bukhari].

He usually visited her house. Her childhood was a shadow of trials and tribulations as her father underwent hardship spreading Islam in Makkah in a time of ignorance. Thus, she grew with patience and determination. She courageously protected her father and wept when she saw him bleed. She comforted her father. Once, the disbelievers sacrificed a camel. At the time, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was praying with his companions. Abu Jahl dared his friends to put the bowels and filth on Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him’s back. Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’it took up of the offer and piled it on the Prophet peace be upon him’s back. When Fatima heard of this; she ran to her father, she removed the filth with her hands from her beloved father’s back and scolded the disbelievers due to the brutal treatment they performed towards him. When Prophet peace be upon him completed his prayer, he lifted his hands to supplicate Allah to hold Abu Jahl, Uqbah and those involved. The Prophet peace be upon him’s supplications were answered.

Fatima may Allah have mercy upon her even helped during the battles by nursing the wounded. After her mother’s death, she would devoutly look after her father. When he passed away, she was saddened and lived only a few months after him.

Fatima was an exemplary for every Muslim woman. A woman of courage, piety and righteousness. Her aim in life was to serve Islam. May Allah subhanahu wa taala allow us all to learn from this jewel of Islam on how to find the right balance between deen and duniya. Ameen.

We are travellers in this duniya (this world) where how we perform on our inescapable journey will depend on where our destination will be in the Akhirah (Hereafter). We are not here forever. How many do you know or have heard of people who returned to Allah subhanahu wa taala before reaching adolescence? How many do you know or have heard of people who returned to Allah when reaching old age? They did not know that they were leaving at that age, condition and time. Similarly we do not know either of when our time has come. Allah subhanahu wa taala is the only one who knows the time of our departure. Many consider we have plenty of time to prepare. That if not today, then tomorrow morning or evening or next week and so on. Delaying our preparation whilst the Almighty Allah subhanahu wa taala watches and listens. Adopting such an attitude with such hope assuring ourselves that we have unlimited time will make us lose focus of our ultimate goal; Jannatul Firdous. It is a trick from Shaytan Al-Rajeem who tries to distract our attention from our purpose in life, increase our self-love and inflated egos. Allah subhanahu wa taala says in Quran: ‘And what is the life of this Duniya but the enjoyment of deception’ [3:185]'No, you prefer the life of this world, while the hereafter is better and that which remains' (87: 16-17) We have limited time and we need to prepare the necessities for our journey. Performing good deeds is vital as Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, said:“Hasten to do good deeds before there come tribulations like pieces of a dark night, when a man will be a believer in the morning and a kaafir by evening, or he will be a believer in the evening and a kaafir by morning, selling his religious commitment for worldly gain.”[Muslim]Allah subhanahu wa taala says in Quran:“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” [Surah al-Nahl 16:97] In sha Allah, I will be providing tips and examples of how we can perform good deeds to help with our journey:

INTENTION - Putting your priorities right!

Ask yourself why are you here? What is your goal? If you find yourself putting this world before the Hereafter. It is time to sit down and think how you can be prepare and be productive for the Hereafter. Allah’s doors of Mercy are always open. It is waiting for you to enter and make a difference by stricking a balance between your deen, health, body, sleep, work, study, family, friends. HOW? Is the question. 1)Schedule your day around your prayers 2)Allotted time to read Quran (10 minutes minimum per day?), 3)Being involved in activities such as charity, community etc (weekend? Holidays? Freetime?). 4)Make time for your family 5)Make use of your night hours:“Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words. Indeed, for you by day is prolonged occupation. And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion” (73: 6-8). Besides this, is to ensure that our intention is clear and firm in our hearts and mind before performing the act. We need to do things to earn the pleasure of Allah subhanahu wa taala and seeking refuge from the Shaytan Al-Rajeem. As a consequence it aids us in performing good deeds with excellence. Our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended”? [Al-Bukhari]

PRAYER

It is the 2nd pillar of Islam and is the most important thing to do on a daily basis! No matter how much good deeds you perform, prayer is the first thing Allah subhanahu wa taala will ask us about! Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:‘The first act of worship man shall be questioned about on the Day of Resurrection is prayer. If it was performed correctly, man shall certainly succeed and prosper, if it is not, he shall certainly lose and fail. If, however, man's prayer was incomplete, the Lord, the Exalted, would say (to His Angels), "See if my slave performed supererogatory (nafl) prayers to make up what he had missed of the obligatory prayers. The rest of man's deeds will be reckoned in the same manner.’ [Al-Tirmidhi] When we are worried or stressed out or busy, we tend to miss or delay several obligatory prayers in order to accomplish or solve an issue for a worldly reason. Instead we should stop and pray to Allah subhanahu wa taala to grant us ease, victory and patience to bear the trials and/or duties. We must not forget our appointment with the Angel of Death as well as our meeting with Allah subhanahu wa taala. Remember that our beloved Our Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his beloved companions may Allah be pleased with them were much busy than us and endured many trials but never have they fell short towards their duties to Allah subhanahu wa taala, their families, community and purpose in life. In fact we are not busy rather we have not put our priorities right.

In addition, prayer cleanses us from sins!Prophet Muhammad peace be upon said:"If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?" They said, "Not a trace of dirt would be left." The Prophet added, "That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds." [Al-Bukhari]

VOLUNTARY PRAYERS (NAWAFIL)

There is reward to even praying the Sunnahs (voluntary prayers) besides the Fardh (obligatory prayers)!Fardh (obligatory) prayers are: 2 raka’at inFajr, 4 raka’at inZuhr, 4 raka’at inAsr, 3 raka’at inMaghrib& 4 raka’at inIsha’. Any other prayers are known as Nawafil prayers which are commonly known as Sunnah prayers. There is a hadith that clafiries this. Narrated Aisha may Allah be pleased with her said, “Prophet peace be upon him was never more regular & strict in offering any nawafil than 2 raka’at Sunnah before Fajr prayer.”[Al-Bukhari]A Sunnah is an act in which our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him perform and is not limited to prayer only. There are rewards for praying Sunnah prayers!

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

”Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in observing 12 Sunnah rakat (as follows: 2 before Fajr, 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, and 2 after Ishaa).” [Al-Tirmidhi]“The two rak`ah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer are better than the word and all that which it contains.” [Muslim].

“A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” [Muslim]

There is also reward for praying in congregation at the Masjid! Abu Huraryah may Allah be pleased with him narrated that our Beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:“Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning and evening, Allaah will prepare for him an honourable place in Paradise every time he goes and comes.” [al-Bukhari; Muslim] However, one also gets reward for praying at home too!Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:“If one of you offers his prayers in the mosque, then he should offer a portion of his prayers at home, as God has made saying prayers in one’s home a means of betterment (for him).” (Ahmad, Muslim) Praying Qiyam al layl (Night Prayer)!Abu Umama al-Bahili (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” [Tirmidhi, and others] In some narrations, there is an addition, “And it repels sickness from the body.” Attending the funeral Prayer! Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him said narrated that our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever attends a funeral until he offers the (funeral) prayer will have one qiraat (of reward) and whoever attends until the burial is done will have two qiraats.” It was said: “What are the two qiraats?” He said: “Like two great mountains.” [al-Bukhari; Muslim] Praying the Ishraq Prayer! Ishraq prayer otherwise known as Duha prayer is prayed at the time of sunrise. There is evidence there is reward but one has to pray Fajr in congregation for Fajr, then make dhikr (remembering Allah subhanahu wa taala) followed by praying the Ishraq Prayer. This can be performed as part of a daily routine! Prophet Muhammad peace be upon said:“Whoever prayers al Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and Umrah.” [Al-Tirmidhi] Another hadith that is narrated by Abu Dhar that our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said: ‘For every bone of the son of Adam a charity must be given each day. Every tasbeehah [saying Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah)] is a charity, every tahmeedah [saying al-hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allaah)] is a charity, every tahleelah [saying Laa ilaha ila-Allah (There is no god but Allah)] is a charity, every takbeerah [saying Allahu akbar [Allah is Most Great]) is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two rak’ahs offered in the mid-morning (Duha) is sufficient.” [Muslim] This brings it nicely to our next tip!

REMEMBERING ALLAH SUBHANAHU WA TAALA (Dhikr)!

There are many different types of Dhikr; eaching having its own significance. We must ensure that we remember Allah subhanahu wa taala on a daily basis. When travelling, free time, trials and so forth. Abdullah ibn Abbas may Allah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet peace be upon him said "Those who will be invited first into theJannah (Paradise), are those who praise Allah both in prosperity and tough times." [Hakim 502/1] There are plenty of rewards when remembering Allah subhanahu wa taala but it also gives us an experience of spiritual purity. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah 's Apostle said, "Allah has someangelswho look for those who celebrate the Praises of Allah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people celebrating the Praises of Allah, they call each other, saying, "Come to the object of your pursuit.' " He added, "Then theangelsencircle them with their wings up to the sky of the world." He added. "(after those people celebrated the Praises of Allah, and theangelsgo back), their Lord, asks them (thoseangels)----though He knows better than them----'What do My slaves say?' Theangelsreply, 'They say: Subhan Allah, Allahu Akbar, and Alham-du-lillah, Allah then says 'Did they see Me?' Theangelsreply, 'No! By Allah, they didn't see You.' Allah says, How it would have been if they saw Me?' Theangelsreply, 'If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and celebrate Your Glory more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.' Allah says (to the angels), 'Whatdo they ask Me for?' Theangelsreply, 'They ask You for Paradise.' Allah says (to theangels),'Did they see it?' Theangelssay, 'No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.' Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?' Theangels say, 'If they saw it, they would have greater covetousness for it and would seek It with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.' Allah says, 'From what do they seek refuge?' The angels reply, 'They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.' Allah says, 'Did they see it?' Theangelssay, 'No By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.' Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?' Theangelssay, 'If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.' Then Allah says, 'I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them."' Allah's Apostle added, "One of theangels wouldsay, 'There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need.' Allah would say, 'These are those people whose companions will not be reduced to misery.' " [Al-Bukhari] Here are some examples of Dhikr:

‘There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the Dominion, to Him be all praise, and He is able to do all things’

Evidence: Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleaced with said narrated that our Beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

‘Whoever says: ‘La ilaha ila Allah, wahdahu la sharikah lah lahu al-Mulk wa lahu Al-Hamd wa howa ‘’ala kolo shay’in qadeer’ 100 times daily, it will be as if he freed ten slaves, and one hundred hasanaat (good deeds) will be recorded for him, and one hundred sayi’at (bad deeds) will be erased from him, and it will be a protection for him against the Shaytaan all that day until evening comes. No one can do anything better than that except one who does more.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim].

DHIKR 2: 100 times daily.

‘SubhanaAllah wa bi hamdihi’

‘Praise and glory be to Allah’ one hundred times.

Evidence: Abu Huraryah may Allah be pleased with him narrated that our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said:

‘Whoever saysSubhan Allah wa bi hamdih(Praise and glory be to Allah) one hundred times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam of the sea.’ [Al-Bukhari, Al-Muslim].

VOLUNTARY FASTS!

Besides fasting the blessed month of Ramadan; the month in which the Quran has been revealed. One can also perform voluntary fasting:

Narrated that Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him said: The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said: “Who among you is fasting today?” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I am.” He said: “Who among you has attended a funeral today?” Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I have.” He said: “Who among you has fed a poor person today?’ Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I have.” He said: “Who among you has visited a sick person today?” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I have.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “These (traits) are not combined in a person but he will enter Paradise.” [Muslim]

Examples of voluntary fasting are:

Fasting Mondays and Thursdays!

It was narrated from Abu Qatadah al-Ansari that Prophet peace be upon him was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said: “On that day I was born, and on it the Revelation came to me.” [Muslim]Aisha may Allah be pleased with her said:The Prophet peace be upon him was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. [Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Nasaa'i, Ibn Majah]

Abu Huraryah may Allah be pleased with said that Prophet peace be upon him said: “Deeds are shown (to Allaah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.” [Al-Tirmidhi]

Fasting the White Days!

The 3 white days are the 13, 14, and 15 of each hijri islamic (lunar) month.

Abu Hurayrah May Allah be pleased with him said: “My close friend Prophet peace be upon him advised me to do three things which I will never give up until I die: fasting three days each month, praying Duha, and sleeping after praying Witr.” [al-Bukhari, Muslim].

It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me, ‘If you fast any part of the month then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.’” [al-Nasaa’i; Ibn Maajah, Ahmad,].

READING QURAN!

It was narrated that ‘Abdallah ibn Mas’ood may Allah be pleased with him said: Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him: “Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allaah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Meem is a letter, rather alif is a letter, laam is a letter and meem is a letter.” [Al-Tirmidhi]

Abdullah ibn Amr may Allah be pleased with him said that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "On the Day of Judgment, it will be said to the man devoted to the Qur'an, 'Go on reciting the Qur'an and continue ascending the stories of Paradise and recite in the slow manner as you had been reading in worldly life; your final place will be where you reach at the time of the last ayat of your recitation." [Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud]

SEEKING FORGIVENESS FROM ALLAH SUBHANAHU WA TAALA

Islam is perfect. Allah is Most perfect. Human are not perfect and we are prone to mistakes. We all commit sins during our lifetime whether done intentionally or unintentionally. Everyone of us seeks forgiveness from Allah for ourselves, however, from this hadith Prophet (PBUH) gives the message of selflessness of Islam and commends the followers to seek forgiveness for other people as well. This simple seeking of forgiveness for others results in a person gaining reward against each believing person for whom the forgiveness is sought. Thus, we are in need to repent with sincerity and ask Allah subhanahu wa taala for His forgiveness as Allah is the Most Merciful: ‘…except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allah id Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful.”[Qur’an 3:89] Our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said: ‘Turn you people in repentance in Allah and beg pardon of Him. I turn to Him in repentance a hundred times a day.’ [Muslim] When we increase in Istighfar; we need to make dua(supplication) for our hearts! “ .. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart.” [Qur’an: 8:24] This complements the following hadith where Prophet peace be upon him said:“There is no heart that is not between two of the Fingers of the Most Merciful. If He wills, He guides it and if He wills, He sends it astray.” [Ibn Majah] What duas (supplications) do I need to make to protect and guide my heart? Allah subhanahu wa taala said:‘Rabana la tuzigh qulubana ba’da idh hadaytana, wahab lana min ladunka rahmatan innaka anta al Wahhab’‘Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure!’ [Quran 3:8] In addition, our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him said that we should recite the following dua: ‘Ya muqalib al-quloob, thabbit qalbi ‘ala deenik’ ‘O You Who changes the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.’ [Ibn Majah] We should make istighfar for others too! Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: ‘Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and woman.’ [Tabarani] Seek refuge from Shaytan! Recite, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falak and Al-Nas in the mornings and evenings! They are the vitamins for our body!

SEEKING KNOWLEDGE!

Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon both males and females and Allah recognises such people:

"Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do." [Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:11]

There is plenty of reward for going to the masjid to seek knowledge such as classes, seminars, conferences or consulting books that are available at the masjid. Our Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said

“Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj.” [Tabarani]

MAKING DUA FOR YOUR BROTHER/SISTER WITHOUT THEM KNOWING!

Make dua for the people you love. Don’t let them know as it will increase its sincerity and performed for Allah’s sake alone.

“The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you too’.” [Muslim].

RESPONDING TO ADHAAN!

Adhaan is the sacred call to prayer and we as Muslims are fortunate to listen to it five times a day whether from the Masjid, mobile reminder or laptop reminder. We need to reply to the call by repeating to what the Muazin (caller) says and then ask what they wish.

Prophet peace be upon him said:

“Say as they say (in Adhan), and when you finish, ask and you will be given.” [Abu Dawud]

HAVING GOOD CHARACTER

Humbleness and Kindness!

''Do not avert your face from people out of pride and do not strut about arrogantly on the earth. Allah does not love anyone who is vain and boastful. Be moderate in your walking and lower your voice. The most hateful of voices is the braying of asses.'' (Qur'an 31:18-19)

''Remember when We made a covenant with the tribe of Israel: "Worship none but Allah, and be good to your parents, relatives, orphans, and the very poor. Speak good words to people. Establish prayer and pay alms." But then you turned away - except a few of you - you turned aside.'' [Qur'an 2:83]Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:"By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said, "Who is that, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "That person whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil." [Bukhari]

''Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: My Lord! Bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.'' [Qur'an 17:23]

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: ''A Muslim is a brother of Muslim, he neither wrongs him nor does hand him over to one who does him wrong. If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Keeping ties of kinship strong! Narrated that Anas may Allah be pleased with him said: I heard the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: ‘Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan extended, let him uphold his ties of kinship.’ [al-Bukhari; Muslim]

PERFORMING GOOD DEEDS!

Performing good deeds, it does not necessarily mean just giving charity via financial meals but also helping others for the sake of Allah by carrying a luggage, removing rubbish from path way, helping elderly across the street and can be so small such as giving a smile! So do not underestimate your good deed! Islam puts an emphasis in doing acts of kindness that carry reward! Our beloved Prophet peace be upon him said the following: ‘Doing justice between two people is sadaqah; assisting a man to mount his animal, or lifting up his belongings onto it is sadaqah; a good word is sadaqah; every step you take towards prayer is sadaqah; and removing harmful things from pathways is sadaqah.’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]"A man passed by a fallen branch in the middle of the road and said, 'By Allah, I will remove this from the path of the Muslims so that it does not inconvenience them' and he was admitted into the Garden (Paradise)." [Muslim]

“Do not disdain any good deed, even your meeting with your brother with a cheerful face.” [Muslim]

CHARITY!

Zakat (Obligatory charity)!

This is one of the five pillars of Islam where every year, certain amount is given from savings and assets to needy people. Allah subhanahu wa taala said:

''[Prophet] Have you considered the person who denies the Judgement? It is he who pushes aside the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy...". [107:1-3)]

Voluntary charity!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people asked, "O Allah's Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?" He said, "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked, "If he cannot find even that?" He replied, "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked, "If he cannot do that?" He replied, "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds." [Bukhari]

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:"Never does a Muslim plant trees or cultivate land and birds or a man or a beast eat out of them but that is a charity on his behalf." [Muslim]

Sadaqa Jariyah (Continuous charity)!

The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him told us: "When the son of Adam dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, knowledge from which others may benefit after he is gone, and a righteous son who will pray for him." [Muslim]

Uthman may Allah be pleased with narrated that the Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever builds a mosque, Allah will build for him something like it in Paradise.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO GOOD DEEDS!

Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” [Muslim]

GREET YOUR MUSLIM BROTHER/SISTER!

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (r.a.): A man asked the Prophet peace be upon him, "What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?" The Prophet replied, "To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know." [Al-Bukhari]

ALL DEEDS REVEALED ON JUDGEMENT DAY!

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon expressed what was revealed: “Allah will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found Me there?’

Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.’ He shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ and Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for Me?'

‘O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give Me to drink.’ The man shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?’ Allah will say, ‘My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me?'[Muslim]

This emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds as all deeds are recorded and will be revealed to us where the good will be weighed against the bad deeds: “This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds)” (Qur'an 45:29) “Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day” [Qur'an 17:14)] “And We shall set up Balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account” [Qur'an 21:47]The journey through this duniya is not an easy path. If Jannah had an easy entry, we would not appreciate it, however as we go through trials and tribulations we will become worth and fit to meet Allah subhanahu wa taala and reunite with our loved ones in Jannah.Allah subhanahu wa taala said in “Other faces that day will be happy; pleased on account of the effort they had put in earlier (in the dunya)”. [88: 8-9]The tips mentioned above are just examples of numerous ways in how to perform good deeds. We need to seek Allah’s help and ask him for steadfastness and persistence in performing good deeds. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:“O people, you should do whatever good deeds you can, for Allaah does not get tired (of giving reward) until you get tired. And the most beloved of good deeds to Allaah is that in which a person persists, even if it is little. If the family of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) started to do something, they would persist in it.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim]May Allah subhanahu wa taala grants us ease in preparation for our deaths and the Hereafter and may we do deeds to seek His pleasure and protect us from performing acts that cause His displeasure Ameen. May Allah forgive our previous sins, guide us and grant us ALL Jannatul firdous. Ameen.